Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys associated with pathological immune complexes. Usually occurs after various inflammations in any system of the body, after infectious diseases, during chronic diseases.
Bloody urine may be produced.
The basis of treatment is glucocorticoids and plasmapheresis.
What is glomerulonephritis in dogs and cats?
Glomerulonephritis is a non-infectious inflammation of the kidneys. Inflammation begins in the glomeruli and can spread to surrounding structures. Inflammation is caused by the accumulation of immune complexes on the basement membrane of the glomerular vessels of the kidneys and inflammatory reaction Around them.
Causes of glomerulonephritis in dogs and cats
Immune-related glomerulonephritis in dogs and cats can develop with any entry of antigens into the body. Typically this happens after purulent wounds, pyometra ( purulent inflammation uterus), various inflammations of the liver, against the background of allergic skin lesions, autoimmune diseases (pododermatitis, etc.), after infectious diseases, in the process of chronic diseases.
Symptoms - signs of glomerulonephritis in animals
At mild form And chronic glomerulonephritis in dogs and cats, symptoms may not be expressed and the diagnosis can only be made by tests - red blood cells and protein are found in the urine, and a decrease in albumin in the blood. With a strong decrease in albumin, swelling of the limbs and dewlap may appear.
At acute form glomerulonephritis, the urine becomes bloody, the temperature may rise to 40 degrees, acute pain in the kidney area.
In all forms, hypertension can be observed - a significant increase in blood pressure.
Diagnosis of glomerulonephritis in dogs and cats
The diagnosis is made by urine analysis - a lot of red blood cells, a lot of albumin, no or few white blood cells.
Clinical signs are non-specific - fever, pain in the lumbar region, visually bloody urine.
Kidney ultrasound may show structural changes not of a specific nature.
Increased arterial pressure in the absence of signs of congestive heart failure.
Treatment of glomerulonephritis in dogs and cats
The basis of treatment is the suppression of immunological reactions.
Glucocorticoid hormones are used - dexamethasone, prednisolone, metipred - these drugs slow down the production of antibodies and reduce the inflammatory response.
To remove antigens, excess antibodies, antigen-antibody complexes, inflammation mediators - that is, to directly influence all pathological links of the pathological process, plasmapheresis is used.
To prevent infections and prevent the development of pyelonephritis, antibiotics are used, the most preferable are Tsifran orally or Baytril subcutaneously.
Auxiliary medications:
hemostatics - vikasol, dicinone, aminocaproic acid, antispasmodics - no-spa, papaverine, platifilin, to reduce blood pressure - Enap, Renitek.
Limiting exercise - especially for working dogs, it is possible to use herbal decoctions - chamomile, half-pol, or tablet forms - cyston, canephron, high-calorie food.
Monitoring the treatment of glomerulonephritis in cats and dogs
To monitor the progress of treatment, urine tests, blood pressure measurements, biochemical and clinical trial blood - tests are carried out after 1 - 5 days, if the condition improves, tests are repeated less frequently and after recovery they are carried out regularly dispensary examinations 1 - 2 times a year.
It is especially important to do control tests if the condition worsens, so as not to miss complications such as
Glomerulonephritis is a localized inflammation of the kidneys that involves the glomeruli.
Cats usually develop glomerulonephritis after reaching 4 years of age. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of impairment of the filtration capacity of the renal glomeruli, which can be judged by the loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria). Often in the initial stages of glomerulonephritis and with its mild course, proteinuria is the only clear sign of kidney damage. When it is moderately expressed, it manifests itself nonspecific disorders(loss of body weight, lethargy). As the intensity of protein loss in urine increases, the concentration of albumin in the blood decreases (hypoalbuminemia) and arterial blood pressure increases, which leads to the appearance of edema and fluid accumulation in the blood. abdominal cavity(ascites).
After 70% of the glomeruli fail, Clinical signs renal failure, including those associated with increased levels of non-protein nitrogenous compounds in the blood (azotemia). Such biochemical disorders cause increased water consumption by cats, frequent urination, loss of appetite (anorexia), vomiting and other clinical signs that we mentioned detailed information in the forum section " Kidney failure" Symptoms caused directly by glomerulonephritis are superimposed by clinical signs primary diseases, which initiated damage to the renal glomeruli, as well as complications of renal failure from other body systems - primarily cardiovascular and respiratory.
Treatment of cats with glomerulonephritis should be comprehensive. This involves making efforts to eliminate primary causes that caused an autoimmune process, as well as the use of symptomatic therapy aimed at eliminating the clinical disorders identified in the sick animal. During the treatment process, careful monitoring of clinical parameters is necessary, which allows you to change the dosage and list of medications used in a timely manner and without harm to the health of the sick cat.
In choise medications and the schemes for their use, rely entirely on your veterinarian. You will be required to strictly follow his recommendations, regularly bring your pet to veterinary clinic for a thorough examination and delivery laboratory tests, and also, which is very important, provide the cat with a special diet. The main requirements for feed are low sodium, phosphorus and protein content, and the presence of only easily digestible proteins or their hydrolysates. Many ready-made medicated feeds are now available that meet these requirements.
Learn now about the symptoms and treatments for kidney disease in cats, such as kidney failure, pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis.
Veterinarians often diagnose cats with kidney disease. Because of anatomical features, kidneys - weakness these animals. Adding to the problem is the ability of cats to drink little and for a long time do without water. To reduce the risk renal pathologies, the cat owner must ensure that the pet always has fresh water. Especially those who receive dry food. Any malfunction in the functioning of this paired organ is dangerous for the cat’s health and can threaten the pet’s life.
In this material we will present the main causes of kidney disease and tell you what signs should alert cat owners. We will answer questions about how kidney pathologies are diagnosed and what methods these diseases are treated with. We will select the optimal diet for sick animals and suggest methods of prevention.
Symptoms
The kidneys in cats perform several important functions, the main of which is the removal of water and water-soluble substances from the body. In addition, they cleanse the blood and participate in metabolic processes. Therefore, the first thing the owner needs to pay attention to is the frequency of urination and the volume of urine. If your cat goes to the toilet too often and urinates past the litter tray without having time to reach the toilet, take the animal to the doctor.
What other signs indicate that a cat has diseased kidneys?
- Too infrequent urination and its complete absence also indicate kidney pathologies.
- Excessive thirst is the animal’s body’s response to increased frequency of urination. This is how cats try to replenish the lost volume of fluid.
- Weakness and lethargy. Dehydration is bad for your pet. Cats avoid active games, lie and sleep a lot.
- Decreased appetite and complete refusal to eat. Sick cats feel unwell, their appetite decreases, and the animals lose weight.
- Nausea and... Possible in animals with renal failure.
- The presence of blood impurities in the cat’s urine. Often indicates.
- Arterial hypertension.
- Bad breath.
- Deterioration of coat condition.
- Anemia.
If your pet exhibits one or more of these signs, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Common Causes of Kidney Disease in Cats
Let us list the main reasons leading to disturbances in kidney function.
Dietary:
- Not balanced diet (overconsumption protein, phosphorus, salts).
- Insufficient water intake when feeding dry food.
Traumatic:
- Falling from height.
- Getting hit by a car.
- Hypothermia, frostbite.
- Heatstroke.
- Compression of the ureters by tumors.
Infectious:
- Bacterial infections.
- Viral diseases.
- Undertreated and neglected diseases genitourinary system.
Poisonings:
- Rat poisons.
- Chemicals.
- Detergents
- Medicines.
Congenital:
- Renal dysplasia (developmental pathology).
- Renal aplasia (absence of one or two kidneys).
Risk group
Those at risk for kidney pathology are:
- Elderly cats and cats. By the age of 9 years, the likelihood of this type of disease increases by 2 times.
- Cats that are obese and lead an inactive lifestyle.
- Representatives of some breeds: , Somali, Persian cats and.
- Animals kept in damp rooms and drafts.
- Underweight cats, starving animals.
Diagnostics
To diagnose kidney pathologies, veterinarians resort to a number of studies. First, blood and urine tests are done to assess the concentration of substances that are normally filtered by healthy kidneys.
In addition, the doctor may prescribe:
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
- fluoroscopic examination;
- urine culture;
- biopsy.
Kidney pathologies refer to serious illnesses that require early diagnosis– don’t put off visiting the veterinarian!
Classification of kidney diseases
Based on the location of the primary pathological process, kidney diseases are divided into:
- Primary.
- Secondary.
The first group includes diseases in which pathological process started directly in the kidneys. The second group included kidney damage as a result of hypertension, diabetes, and diseases of the genitourinary system.
According to the nature of the disease, the following are distinguished:
- Acute;
- Chronic.
In addition, congenital and acquired diseases are distinguished. Congenital - the result of genetic disorders in certain breeds of cats. The risk group includes Somali, Persian, Abyssinian and Himalayan breeds.
Major kidney diseases in cats
Nephritis in cats
The most common kidney diseases in cats are inflammatory nephritis, which, depending on the location and nature, is divided into pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis.
Pyelonephritis
This is inflammation renal pelvis and tissue (parenchyma) of the kidney, most often bacterial origin. The pathology is usually secondary in nature, occurring after infection of the genital organs, stagnation of urine, urolithiasis, inflammation Bladder and hypothermia.
It can be acute or chronic. The acute form of the disease is dangerous for cats and can lead to kidney failure and death. The death of the animal can occur within 12 hours.
The insidiousness of pyelonephritis lies in the fact that the symptoms, at the onset of the disease, can manifest themselves extremely weakly.
Causes
The causes of this disease are infection, hypothermia, advanced pathologies of the genitourinary system, kidney attacks by opportunistic organisms (staphylococci, streptococci, coli). Less often – genetic nature or elderly age animal.
Symptoms of acute pyelonephritis
- a sharp increase in temperature;
- fever, chills;
- increased thirst;
- increased frequency and amount of urine when urinating;
- cloudiness of urine and the presence of blood impurities in it;
- painful sensations when palpating the kidneys;
- the animal meows pitifully when urinating (painful sensations).
Symptoms of chronic pyelonephritis
- thick discharge from the genitals;
- exhaustion;
- change in urination pattern;
- with exacerbation of the chronic process, signs characteristic of acute pyelonephritis appear.
Diagnostics
- collecting anamnesis and examining the animal;
- general blood analysis;
- Analysis of urine.
Treatment
- antibiotic therapy;
- diuretics;
- painkillers;
- antispasmodics;
- compliance with the drinking regime;
- diet therapy with reduced amount protein and phosphorus.
Prevention
- promptly and efficiently treat diseases of the genitourinary system;
- prevention of ICD;
- monitor your drinking regime;
- provide complete, balanced nutrition;
- keep animals in clean, warm, draft-free rooms;
- prevent pets from hypothermia.
Glomerulonephritis
This non-communicable disease which causes defeat structural units(glomeruli) of the kidneys - nephrons. It occurs acutely, subacutely and chronically.
Causes
As a rule, this disease develops as a result of previous diseases:
- purulent inflammation of the uterus in cats;
- liver inflammation;
- various allergic lesions;
- pyelonephritis;
- injuries
It may also be a consequence of hypothermia and violation of housing and feeding conditions.
Risk factors: pet hypothermia, exposure to dampness, unsatisfactory quality of food, which leads to a decrease in the protective properties of the body.
Symptoms
- painful urination;
- hyperthermia;
- pain in the kidney area;
- presence of blood in the urine;
- decreased amount of urine;
- swelling of the veins and muzzle;
- difficulty wheezing;
- increased blood pressure;
- weakness, apathy;
- coordination problems.
Diagnostics
- blood analysis;
- Analysis of urine;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
- ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy;
- examination of the fundus (for the presence/absence of blood spots);
- X-ray of the lungs (determines the presence/absence of water in the lung area).
Treatment
- diet therapy;
- a course of antibiotics;
- corticosteroid (hormonal) therapy;
- painkillers;
- vitamin therapy;
- sulfa drugs;
- aminoglycosides.
An important part of treatment is the creation of high-quality conditions for keeping the pet. The cat is placed in a warm, clean, draft-free room. The animal is not allowed outside.
Prevention
- control of body weight and blood pressure;
- comfortable living conditions;
- high-quality balanced nutrition;
- compliance with the drinking regime;
- regular (at least once every six months) preventive examinations at the veterinarian;
- taking vitamin and mineral complexes.
Kidney failure in cats
This pathological condition, which is characterized by disruption of all kidney functions. Kidney nephrons are progressively destroyed and replaced connective tissue. This leads to serious and irreversible metabolic disorders. Can be acute or chronic. Chronic renal failure is an incurable pathology. The therapy is aimed at prolonging the cat’s life and improving its quality.
Causes
Renal failure can develop in the case of bleeding, with pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis, with compression of the ureters by a tumor. Most often, renal failure occurs as a complication after pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis and neoplasia.
Symptoms
- deterioration in wool quality;
- weight loss;
- increased thirst;
- frequent or absent urination;
- blood in urine;
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- weakness and apathy;
- depressed state;
- increased heart rate;
- swelling and pallor of the mucous membranes.
Diagnostics
- blood test (for urea nitrogen and creatinine);
- urine test (for protein).
Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic renal failure is only within the competence of a veterinarian.
Treatment
- diet therapy - a diet low in protein and phosphorus;
- a course of antibiotics;
- potassium preparations;
- a course of vitamins B and C;
- antiemetics;
- Iron supplements for cats with anemia.
The disease cannot be completely cured, but you can extend your pet’s life by several years and improve its quality.
Prevention
- timely vaccination;
- regular preventive examinations;
- High-quality balanced nutrition;
- timely treatment of all diseases of the genitourinary system.
Video:
Nephrolithiasis (kidney stone disease)
Kidney stone disease is characterized by the accumulation of crystalline sand and stones in the kidneys, a filtering organ. This pathology most often occurs in older cats over 7 years old. Kidney stones are less common in cats.
Causes
- congenital anomalies genitourinary organs;
- genetic defects (exotics, Persian cats, British shorthairs);
- errors in diet planning;
- metabolic disorders;
- urinary tract infections;
- long-term use of medications;
- endocrine diseases;
- hormonal disorders;
- avitaminosis.
Symptoms
- painful urination;
- frequent urge and urine production in small drops;
- change in urine color (brown, brown, bloody);
- changes in behavior: nervousness or lethargy;
- lack of appetite;
- frequent intermittent breathing;
- painful sensations in the abdomen, the cat does not allow itself to be touched;
- the cat sits in the tray for a long time, but the litter is dry;
- digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting.
Diagnostics
- studying the anamnesis, the owner must describe in detail all changes in the animal’s behavior, tell how long this has been happening to the pet;
- general blood test to diagnose inflammatory processes;
- biochemical analysis blood;
- Analysis of urine;
- bacterial culture of urine;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
- fluoroscopy;
- laboratory analysis of the passed stone.
Treatment
The treatment regimen is selected individually, taking into account the condition of the animal, its age and the causes of nephrolithiasis. If kidney stones are particularly large, surgical treatment methods are used. In other cases it is enough drug therapy, which includes:
- therapeutic diet;
- antibiotic therapy;
- therapy that dissolves nephroliths (stones);
- hemostatic drugs;
- antispasmodics;
- droppers to restore the balance of fluids in the cat’s body;
- physiotherapy.
Prevention
- creating conditions for comfortable keeping of a cat;
- avoiding hypothermia and heat stroke;
- proper diet planning;
- obesity prevention;
- providing your pet with fresh water;
- compliance with the water regime.
Video:
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic disease is a pathology in which cysts gradually appear and grow in the kidneys of cats. In some breeds (exotics, Himalayan cats) this disease is hereditary.
Causes
The only cause of polycystic kidney disease identified to date is genetic predisposition.
Symptoms
Clinical signs of polycystic disease appear only in old age in cats over 7 years of age. The symptoms of the pathology are similar to kidney failure, and therefore require professional diagnosis in a veterinary clinic.
- loss of appetite and complete refusal to eat;
- depression, apathy;
- excessive thirst;
- sudden weight loss;
- gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, vomiting;
- frequent painful urination.
Diagnostics
For diagnosis, the doctor uses a set of measures:
- palpation of the abdomen in the area of the kidneys;
- blood chemistry;
- clinical analysis of urine and feces;
- kidney biopsy;
- radiography;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
- urological culture.
Treatment
The disease is incurable. On early stage there is the possibility of surgical removal of the affected area. Main therapeutic measures aimed at improving the quality of life of the animal.
- diet low in phosphorus and protein;
- vitamin therapy (D);
- symptomatic treatment of hypertension;
- antibiotic therapy;
- hormone therapy;
- droppers to restore water balance in the body.
Prevention
- preventing individuals with diagnosed polycystic disease from mating;
- timely vaccination;
- minimizing infectious diseases;
- regular preventive examinations.
Video:
Nephrosclerosis
The pathology, which has the second name “wrinkled kidney”, is characterized by the replacement healthy tissue connective buds. This leads to the loss of all functions of the organ. Cure is possible only at an early stage of the disease; in advanced cases, the animal cannot be saved. The difficulty lies in the fact that the clinical picture at the onset of the disease is blurred and resembles other pathologies.
Causes
- chronic hypertension leading to glomerular ischemia;
- atherosclerosis;
- diabetes;
- nephrosis in an advanced stage;
- glomerulonephritis;
- leptospirosis.
Symptoms
- sudden increase in body temperature, fever, chills;
- high blood pressure;
- hematuria (blood in the urine);
- painful urination;
- visual impairment;
- change in frequency of urination;
- weight loss;
- increased thirst.
Diagnostics
- general clinical analysis of blood and urine;
- Ultrasound of the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract;
- fundus examination;
- blood pressure measurement;
- scintigraphy;
- auscultation of the heart;
- CT scan.
Treatment
The disease is incurable. Veterinarians prescribe symptomatic therapy to sick animals.
- diuretics;
- drugs to lower blood pressure;
- drip infusion of glucose preparations;
- diet therapy;
- cardiac drugs.
Prevention
Prevention of nephrosclerosis comes down to preventing and timely treatment acute lesions kidneys, preventing cases of poisoning and intoxication.
Hydronephrosis
The second name of the pathology is hydrocele of the kidney. The disease is characterized by a violation of the outflow of urine due to narrowing urinary tract. The diseased organ stretches and its tissues die.
Causes
- inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary area;
- neoplasms in the kidneys;
- adhesions;
- prostate atrophy;
- surgical operations on internal organs;
- injuries.
Symptoms
- visual increase in the size of the abdomen;
- hyperthermia (increased body temperature);
- difficulty urinating or lack thereof;
- loss of appetite, refusal to eat;
- blood impurities in the urine.
Diagnostics
- blood analysis;
- Analysis of urine;
- Ultrasound of the kidneys;
- urography.
Treatment
Treatment measures are aimed at eliminating the causes that impede the flow of urine. In some cases, amputation of the diseased organ may be necessary. Bilateral hydronephrosis is incurable and fatal.
Prevention
- compliance with the water regime;
- water quality control;
- low salt diet;
- preventing hypothermia;
- control of body weight, prevention of obesity;
- vitaminization;
- timely dental treatment.
Amyloidosis
The pathology is characterized by disturbances in protein-carbohydrate metabolism, as a result of which amyloid (a protein-polysaccharide compound) is deposited in the kidney tissue. The disease is genetic in nature and most often occurs in both Somali and Siamese breeds cats. Occurs in acute and chronic form. In its advanced form, the kidneys fail, which leads to death.
Causes
- hereditary predisposition;
- past infectious diseases;
- poisoning;
- Vitamin A hypervitaminosis.
Symptoms
At the early stage of the disease, clinical signs are not pronounced. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms appear:
- frequent urination;
- loss of appetite and refusal to eat;
- sudden weight loss to the point of exhaustion;
- vomit;
- excessive thirst;
- decreased activity due to joint pain;
- swelling of the face and paws;
- depressed state;
- yellowness of the mucous membranes and skin;
- diarrhea, pale stools;
- darkening of urine.
Diagnostics
- laboratory urine test;
- fluoroscopy of the kidneys;
- kidney biopsy;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
- General and biochemical analysis of the kidneys.
Treatment
The disease cannot be treated. Maintenance therapy is aimed at prolonging and improving the quality of life of a sick pet. The cat's diet must be reviewed. In some cases, they resort to removing the diseased organ.
Prevention
There is no specific prevention. The cat needs comfortable living conditions and high-quality balanced nutrition, regular preventive examinations and timely deworming.
Congenital malformations
In addition to the above diseases, congenital anomalies of kidney development may occur in cats:
- Renal aplasia. A pathology in which an animal is missing one or two kidneys.
- Renal dysplasia. A congenital defect in which the paired organ develops incorrectly.
Both of these conditions can lead to kidney failure and death of the animal.
What are the dangers of kidney disease in cats?
The serious danger of kidney diseases is that many of them can develop and progress for years without clear clinical picture. Some flow into hidden form, others show vague signs. This prevents owners from sounding the alarm in a timely manner and veterinarians from diagnosing a serious illness.
Disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys are painless for the animal. The healthy part of the kidney takes on the load from the diseased area. Up to a certain point, the paired organ copes with the pathology on its own. When the kidneys can no longer cope with the increased load, the first symptoms appear. Usually by this time most of the animal’s organ has irretrievably died and it cannot be saved.
To promptly identify kidney pathologies, undergo a full preventive examination by a veterinarian once every six months.
Feeding cats with kidney disease
For all kidney diseases it is prescribed therapeutic diet. Properly selected food can prolong a cat’s life and improve its quality. Only a doctor prescribes a diet for sick animals - experiments in such a serious matter can lead to a sad outcome.
- Eukanuba Renal;
- Clan Vet RENAL;
- Hill's Prescription Diet K/D Feline Renal Health;
- Brid VDC Renal;
- Farmina Vet Life Renal;
- Royal Canin Renal RF23;
- Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline UR Urinary;
- Monge Grain Free Vetsolution Renal Feline;
- Purina Veterinary Diets N;
- Sanabelle Urinary.
Prevention of kidney diseases
General preventive measures:
- Proper care and comfortable maintenance of your pet.
- Avoiding hypothermia of the animal.
- Provision.
- Preventing falls from heights.
- Preventing the animal from walking on its own.
- Vaccination according to the vaccination schedule.
- Compliance with drinking regime.
- Water quality control.
- Organization of proper nutrition.
- Regular preventive examinations with a veterinarian.
Owner stories
Christina: “Our cat is no longer young, she is 10 years old. We recently noticed that she has urine Pink colour. And after that she stopped going to the toilet “in small ways.” He sits in the tray, meows pitifully, but the litter is dry. We took her to another city to the vet. He took her blood for analysis and urine with a catheter. After that, he sent us for an ultrasound of the kidneys.
Based on the results of all tests and studies, a diagnosis of chronic renal failure was made. The doctor said that people with such a diagnosis cannot live long and recommended that the cat be euthanized. We refused and took the poor thing to another clinic. There the diagnosis of chronic renal failure was confirmed, but the doctors prescribed us treatment. We gave injections and IVs. The doctor prescribed us a special medicinal food. The cat lived after that for another 1.5 years.”
Tatiana: “We didn’t immediately realize that our cat was sick. He ate well, was active, and behaved as usual. But we began to notice that he was sitting in the tray for a long time. He sits for a long time and pees little. One day a reddish speck was discovered in the tray. That's when we sounded the alarm. We took the cat to the veterinarian. There they examined him, did an ultrasound, took blood and a urine test. It turned out that he had sand in one of his kidneys. They performed sanitation through a catheter and a no-shpa injection. The doctor prescribed us medicinal food. He said that cats with kidney disease should not be fed high-protein foods. We fed Akana and Oriji.”
Kidney inflammation- a disease that affects about 30 percent of domestic cats. Kidney diseases are difficult and always bring a lot of suffering to animals. As a rule, on initial stage the disease is difficult to suspect because it has virtually no symptoms, except for a change in the frequency of your pet’s urination and the nature of the urine. And the owners never monitor these factors due to busyness and the use of litter for the tray.
The kidneys act as a filter, removing toxins from the body. This role is predominantly performed by the renal glomeruli, which great amount. Inflammation of these glomeruli is called glomerulonephritis. Those. the kidneys cease to fully cleanse the body of toxins. The causes of glomerulonephritis are immune-related.
Causes and treatment of glomerulonephritis
- Dental reason: chronic inflammation periodontal tissue (tissue located in the middle of the tooth root).
- Dirofilariasis (heartworm).
- Viral disease - leukemia.
- Immunodeficiency virus.
- Infectious lesion of the uterus ().
- Infectious lesion of the heart - endocarditis.
- Chronic.
- Lupus erythematosus.
- Chronic inflammation of the pancreas -
- Various .
- Hypothermia.
- Toxin poisoning.
- Wrong content.
- Long-term uncontrolled use of antibiotics.
Glomerulonephritis in cats symptoms
The most common sign of glomerular inflammation is blood in a cat's urine or dark urine in a cat. If you analyze your urine, you will find very large amounts of protein in it - a clear sign inflammation. The diagnosis is made after a urine test.
In acute form the cat will have a fever, severe pain in the abdomen and lower back, blood in the urine in cats, shortness of breath, swelling of the paws or jaw, paralysis hind legs(in an advanced stage). Definitely high blood pressure.
Often progressive glomerulonephritis in cats leads to
Complications diseases are heart failure, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Treatment of glomerulonephritis in cats
To suppress inflammation
...and hormones are prescribed to reduce the production of antibodies:
- Dexamethasone.
- Metipred.
- Prednisolone.
To prevent pyelonephritis in cats ( infectious inflammation), be sure to take a course of antibiotics - Baytril, or give in tablets Digital
To relieve pain:
- No-shpa
- Papaverine
- Platifilin
To lower blood pressure:
- Renitek.
You can also give chamomile decoction (bactericidal effect, relieves inflammation, reduces pain) and give in tablets Canephron.
During treatment, do not give the animal salty food or food rich in protein. You can feed it with oatmeal or vegetable broth. After your condition improves, you can switch to ready-made food with a special note - with impaired renal function (or similar).
Prognosis of glomerulonephritis
If you contact a veterinarian in a timely manner, the disease can be cured quite easily and quickly.
If the cat’s body is advanced or weakened, or there is a relapse, renal failure is likely to develop.
During the treatment period, it is necessary to do a urine and blood test, and monitor blood pressure: 1...5 days from the start of treatment, after the onset of relief. When symptoms disappear and treatment is completed, after full recovery, it is imperative to conduct follow-up examinations at intervals of a year or two.
What to do to prevent nephritis in cats
Prevention Kidney disease in cats includes:
- animal comfort
- staying in a warm home
- no drafts
- avoiding walks or visits to the balcony during frosty weather
- quality food
- taking vitamins
- proper cat care and hygiene
- washing bowls regularly
- Make sure your cat has enough water
- a scheduled visit to the veterinarian to measure blood pressure and general examination every six months.
It is easier to prevent any disease than to treat it.
Also, before you start breeding a cat, visit your veterinarian for tests. High risk development of glomerulonephritis is a reason to postpone mating and carry out preventive treatment, since there is a high probability of pregnancy failure or death of the cat.
Weight loss is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying problem. Weight loss can go unnoticed by a cat owner for a long time because the cat's fur hides the process.
The medical term for weight loss due to illness is cachexia(exhaustion).
How much does a cat weigh?
The weight of cats depends primarily on the breed, and if a Mae Coon cat weighs about 7 kg, and a Siamese cat weighs only 3 kg, then this is normal.
Not only an experienced veterinarian can determine whether a cat is malnourished. And although the table below is conditional, use it to correlate physical state your cat can be done by every owner.
Signs your cat is underweight:
- The cat looks bony. The ribs on an underweight cat can be easily felt when you stroke its sides, and the spine can also be easily felt when you move your hand along its back.
- With significant weight loss, the hind legs appear bony.
- Rib narrowing is present in all cats, but is significant in malnourished cats.
- An obvious loss muscle mass. Even thin breeds of cats should have developed muscles, especially the muscles of the upper/shoulder spine.
Causes of weight loss
There are many possible reasons causing weight loss. They are divided into acute (sudden), chronic (slow and progressive) and other reasons for which weight loss is a sign of a disease or conditions of detention.
Acute causes of weight loss:
— Acute illness kidney
The result of decreased function of the organ responsible for removing toxins from the body.
— Infection.
Bacterial, protozoal and viral infections can lead to acute weight loss due to anorexia and/or vomiting and diarrhea.
Chronic causes of weight loss:
—C chronic illness kidney
Kidney disease leads to decreased function of the organ, which provokes the formation of toxins in the body.
— Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism)
Endocrine disease at which chronic failure adrenal cortex leads to a deficiency of hormones, especially cortisol.
— Diabetes
An endocrine disease of the pancreas, which is responsible for the production of two hormones - insulin and glucagon, which regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
A disorder caused by the pancreas not producing enough enzymes needed to digest complex food components such as proteins, triglycerides and complex carbohydrates, as well as large amounts of bicarbonates, which protect the linings of organs from damage. Gastric acid.
— Feline immunodeficiency virus
Viral infection, similar to HIV in humans.
— Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is almost always caused benign tumor thyroid gland, which secretes hormones in excess. This is a common cause of weight loss in middle-aged and older cats.
— Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Thickening of the wall of the left ventricle of the heart. This is a consequence of diseases such as hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure.
— Inflammatory disease intestines
— Liver disease
Other reasons for weight loss:
- Cancer - malignant tumor.
Cancer is more common in older and older cats and is a leading cause of weight loss.
Stomatitis, dental abscess, etc., which leads to reluctance to eat food and causes anorexia.
Insufficient caloric intake (malnutrition), which can be caused by food quality, not enough food, a dominant cat eating most of the food, etc.
— Infectious anemia of cats (hemobartonellosis)
The disease is caused by an unusual type of bacteria that attaches to the wall of red blood cells, destroying them in the process.
— Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
A disease that is caused by a retrovirus that belongs to the same family as the feline immunodeficiency virus. Destroys immune system and causes cancer.
- Stomach ulcer
— Glomerulonephritis
A disease caused by inflammation of the nephrons in the kidneys.
— Heartworm
— Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.
— Pregnancy and lactation
If caloric adjustments are not made to the cat's diet during this period of her life, she will lose weight.
— Stress or depression
A change of place of residence (travel), a new family member, the loss of a beloved family member - all this causes stress and depression, which can be reflected in a cat’s reluctance to eat.
Symptoms
Obvious signs of the causes of weight loss are the cat's behavior: increased appetite or refusal to eat, activity, and the age of the cat.
- Polyphagia (increased appetite) or anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Unpleasant smell from a cat's mouth
- Increased thirst and urination
- Changes in feces (watery, greasy, foamy, diarrhea, black and tarry)
- Vomit
- Changes in coat condition
- Increase or decrease activity
- Poor wound healing
- Behavioral changes such as depression, inactivity, prolonged sleep.
Diagnostics
The veterinarian should conduct a complete physical examination of the animal and listen to your history about the life history - what kind of food he receives, if you have several animals - how their relationships are, how often the cat bears and feeds kittens, what medications she receives and other symptoms, if any. Hyperthyroidism and diabetes are common causes in older and older cats and may be tested first.
To make a diagnosis, you will need to perform some tests, including:
— Biochemical profile, full analysis blood and urine test for evaluation general condition health of the cat and organs.
These tests can detect infection, kidney function, liver function, anemia, calcium, magnesium levels. All this data helps to create an overall picture of your health.
— Test for bile acids
To assess the condition and function of the liver.
— X-ray or ultrasound of the abdomen
To evaluate organs, look for tumors or aneurysms.
— Blood test to determine levels of T3 and T4 hormones.
Some cats with hyperthyroidism may have normal levels of these hormones in a blood test. If this is the case, a T3 suppression test (7 oral doses of T3 thyroid hormone and a blood test after the hormone has been given) may be performed. U healthy cat T4 levels fall; in a cat with hyperthyroidism, T4 levels will remain unchanged or increase slightly.
— Fecal examinations
Treatment should address the underlying cause of the disorder (if any), as well as nutritional support, which may include appetite stimulants or a feeding tube for an anorexic cat, and other possible causes.
Kidney failure - low protein diet, phosphorus binders, saline solution to treat dehydration.
Addison's disease - lifelong replacement of missing adrenal hormones.
Hyperthyroidism — radioactive iodine to stop tumor growth or surgical method(tumor removal).
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, including beta blockers to help with heart muscle contraction, blood viscosity, and activity limitation.
Diabetes - switching to a low protein diet. If dietary management fails to control the condition, then treatment with insulin injections is required.
Pancreatitis - maintenance therapy, antitumor drugs, use of antibiotics for infection.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency - pancreatic enzyme extract, high protein diet. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for treatment bacterial infection V small intestine.
Liver disease – diet and nutritional support, herbal infusions, anti-nausea medications, and in some cases corticosteroids.
Inflammatory disease intestines – a strict diet for good digestion of food, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressants, sometimes antibiotics are prescribed.
Glomerulonephritis - diuretics to remove excess fluid, high-protein diet, drugs to treat high blood pressure blood pressure, steroids to reduce inflammation.
Cancer - Treatment will depend on the type of cancer and metastases. The radical treatment method is surgery (tumor removal). Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is also used.
Infections
Antibiotics are used to treat a bacterial infection. Supportive care is also required to treat dehydration as well as nutritional support.
Feline leukemia virus (FIV and FeLV)
Incurable, support is offered which consists of maintaining the cat's living conditions without stress. Antibiotics are used to treat infections that are likely to occur with this diagnosis. High quality diet good conditions maintenance and regular veterinary examinations can prolong the life of a cat.
Used to treat helminths medications and it is recommended to observe safety measures regarding maintenance and contamination.
Hookworms heartworm is difficult to cure. In mild cases it is possible to use adult to kill heartworms, but this treatment has high risks.
Other treatments
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnant and lactating cats need to increase their diet.
Diet
In order to meet your cat's nutritional needs, it is necessary to provide it with a balanced diet of foods good quality. If there are several animals, if necessary (for example, if one animal is dominant), feed from separate bowls and/or in different places
Stress
Determine the cause of stress and reduce it. If you have several animals, provide each of them with their own place to eat and rest. Eliminate and regulate conflicts between them, devote time to them, play.
How to calculate the required number of calories
REP - resting energy requirements (number of calories) a cat needs at rest for good metabolism is calculated using the formula.
30 cal x cat’s weight in kg +70 cal
- Cat weight 5 kg – 30 x 5 + 70 = 220 - this is the cat’s PEP
- Kitten weight 1 kg – 30 x 1 kg + 70 = 100 – this is the kitten’s PEP
- A cat with emaciation of 3.5 kg - 30 x 3.5 + 70 = 175 - this is the cat's PEP
- Overweight cat 6.5 kg – 30 x 6.5 + 70 = 265 – this is the cat’s PEP
EPE - the daily energy requirements required by your cat depend on age and condition, summarized in a table.
